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Education, Events, and Opportunities to Get Involved
The South Carolina EMS Association offers more than conferences. Throughout the year, we coordinate a mix of educational courses, statewide conferences, special events, meetings, and sponsorship opportunities that support EMS across South Carolina.
What you will find on this page includes:
- Major conferences and signature events
- Workshops, summits, and special programs
- Town halls and committee or stakeholder meetings
- Fundraising and sponsorship opportunities that support SCEMSA initiatives
- Recognition events, including the SC EMS Awards Ceremony and the South Carolina EMS Memorial
Many courses and programs are funded through grants or supported by sponsors and partners. Others are offered through fundraising events and collaborations with EMS agencies and organizations. For a full catalog of education offerings, including online and on-demand classes that are not listed on this page, visit the SCEMSA Education Portal.
Whether you are meeting continuing education requirements, developing leadership skills, or looking for ways to support EMS, these opportunities are designed to help you stay connected, informed, and engaged.
Upcoming Events and Key Dates
Debbie Heinsen Awards Ceremony – SC EMS Awards
Awards reception: March 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM (during the 2026 SCEMSA Symposium)
Awards nominations deadline: December 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET
The Debbie Heinsen Awards Ceremony is the signature event where SC EMS Awards are presented, recognizing excellence in patient care, leadership, education, advocacy, and system development in EMS.
Learn more about SC EMS Awards2026 SC EMS Competition
Registration and payment deadline: Friday, December 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET
Regional prelims: January 17, 2026 – South Carolina Fire Academy, Columbia, SC
Final competition: March 25, 2026 at the 2026 SCEMSA Symposium
The State EMS Competition brings a paramedic and an EMT together as a crew to navigate realistic scenarios that highlight clinical skill, communication, and decision making.
View competition detailsSymposium Scholarships
Application deadline: December 15, 2025
Symposium scholarships help reduce financial barriers for EMS professionals who want to attend the 2026 SCEMSA Symposium. Support may assist with registration, travel, or lodging through the SCEMSA EMS Foundation Education Fund.
Apply for a scholarshipLVAD Webinar
Date: December 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM (virtual)
This webinar provides an overview of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), including common components, assessment tips, red flag findings, and transport considerations to help EMS professionals feel more confident when caring for LVAD patients.
View webinar detailsSCEMSA Town Hall
Next Town Hall: December 18, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Location: Central Berkeley Fire & EMS Headquarters, 1903 Cane Bay Blvd., Summerville, SC 29486
Town Halls provide space for EMS leaders and frontline personnel to hear updates, ask questions, and share feedback on priorities affecting EMS in South Carolina.
Central Berkeley Fire & EMS will also be hosting a food drive during the Town Hall to support our community food bank. Everyone is welcome to bring a donation if they would like to help support this effort.
Food Donation Guidelines:
- Non-perishable, unopened food items only (please check expiration dates before donating).
EMS Supervisor SIM Lab
Date: January 15, 2026
Location: Lexington County Emergency Operations Center, Lexington, SC
The EMS Supervisor SIM Lab focuses on conducting investigations in EMS. This hands-on workshop prepares supervisors and managers to navigate workplace complaints and investigations with confidence, legal awareness, and sound leadership practices.
Learn more about the SIM LabSCEMSA Legislative Breakfast
Date: January 28, 2026
Location: South Carolina State House, Columbia, SC
The Legislative Breakfast brings EMS leaders, providers, and state lawmakers together to discuss priorities that affect prehospital care in South Carolina and strengthen relationships with legislators.
View Legislative Breakfast detailsSouth Carolina EMS Memorial
Honoree nomination deadline: January 31, 2026
Nomination period: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
The South Carolina EMS Memorial honors EMS professionals who served in South Carolina and have passed away, including those who died in the line of duty and those who died off duty. Families, colleagues, and agencies may submit honoree nominations each year.
Learn more about the EMS Memorial2026 Annual Sponsorship Packages
Active: January 1 – December 31, 2026
Registration deadline: February 1, 2026
Annual sponsorships provide year-round visibility across SCEMSA events, including the Symposium, Leadership Conference, Golf Tournament, Women in Healthcare Summit, EMS Rodeo, Legislative Breakfast, and Town Halls.
Explore sponsorships2026 SCEMSA Symposium
Dates: March 25 – 27, 2026
Location: Kingston Plantation/Embassy Suites, 9800 Queensway Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
The Symposium is SCEMSA’s flagship education event, featuring clinical and leadership education, exhibits, networking, and recognition events that bring EMS professionals together from across South Carolina.
Learn more about the SymposiumFor additional opportunities to participate, sponsor programs, or support the SC EMS Foundation, please visit the Foundation and Calendar of Events pages.